This week's Mental Health (MH) blog post is very personal to me. I’m talking about panic disorders and anxiety disorders. I aim to talk about more MH conditions in the upcoming weeks. So before I begin, I want to make it clear that I've broken this down into two parts, to begin with I wanted to talk a little bit about my experience and also the differences between anxiety and having panic attacks. I've written a part 2 filled with advice and help for anyone who needs it.
You hear the words “panic attack”, “anxiety attack” and the word “anxiety” very often nowadays. The words fill up social media as if they are the next new ‘craze’. People use them so often that they lose their significance and although many people will believe they have anxiety and do have certain “attacks”, it’s very important to remember that these are two definite mental health conditions that people (including myself) are diagnosed with. I don’t want to take away anyone's claim of suffering with either of them but I will say, please take time and consider whether you are feeling anxious for a short period of time or if what you’re feeling is something more serious. When the words get thrown around a lot by people it can make it more difficult for those of us who are struggling with the conditions over a long period of time. This is the same for all MH issues and diagnostics.
So what’s the difference between the two well, let me explain a little.
Panic attacks and anxiety have many similarities. Some of the symptoms for them are similar, including a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Though there are differences between the two, both need to be treated with the same level of respect.
Panic attacks
A panic attack is defined as being a “a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause.” They usually come on suddenly and involve intense and often overwhelming fear and symptoms. The person having a panic attack can be caught up in it without noticing it. Symptoms include a racing heartbeat, feeling faint, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, trembling, shaky limbs, a choking sensation, dizziness, pins and needles, dry mouth, a need to go to the toilet, ringing in your ears. Extreme symptoms include chest pain, tingling or numbness in fingers or other body parts, feeling like you’re not connected to your body and a feeling of dread or a fear of dying
Anxiety
An anxiety attack or anxiety is defined as being a gradual change on your body and mind. Anxiety can build slowly, from a thought in the back of your mind to the struggle to breathe and having a tight chest. Symptoms of anxiety include worry, distress, and fear. Anxiety is usually related to the anticipation of a stressful situation, experience, or event. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a medical test or job interview. You can feel anxious for long periods of time, throughout your life. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, it can be mild or severe. During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal. But some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives.
Anxiety and panic attacks can be brought on by a number of things. Such as social situations, remembering scary/stressful situations, conflict, concerns you have or worries can lead to anxiety, as well as overthinking. Phobias can play a big part, such as agoraphobia (fear of crowded or open spaces), claustrophobia (fear of small spaces), and acrophobia (fear of heights) to name just a few.
Right a little background on my own personal experience with panic attacks and anxiety.
I have suffered with panic attacks and anxiety for nearly fifteen years. I had experienced panic attacks many times before I actually found out what they were or what they were even called. The first time someone put a name to my ‘attack’, I was about sixteen years old. I remember being in the town centre where I lived and having to sit on the floor next to a wall. Having a sudden tightness in my chest, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision and shaking hands. The feeling that I couldn't control my body or mind and feeling very dizzy and thinking I was about to pass out or die (that may sound dramatic to some but that was the reality of it). I was with a friend at the time and she very calmly, held my hand and guided me in breathing and gave me a bottle of water. After some time had passed (I couldn’t tell you how long exactly) she mentioned the words ‘panic attack’ and I remember being confused by what she meant. It seems silly now to think about it but I was so embarrassed that I had never mentioned these attacks I have to anyone and a few people who had seen them just brushed them off or dismissed them. Even in school, I was known for being so shy and quiet (I know that’s a shock to many of my friends now lol) that teachers just ignored it half the time (says a lot about my school experience). That day with my friend was the first time anyone had taken the time to help me through it without judgement or criticism.
As I have mentioned in previous posts, I haven't had the easiest journey with my MH. I have received every response known, I've been told I'm emotional, that I'm too sensitive, that I'm lying, I've been told "you are just overthinking" or "you are over exaggerating" or this one "you are being dramatic". People have refused to believe me when I try to explain how I'm feeling and some have even belittled me. I'm not gonna lie folks, it's been a real bitch.
Any MH condition can be such a long, difficult, sometimes even a traumatic thing to go through. It can be a massive help just knowing that you're not alone and that you have someone there, or knowing suggestions that can help you through it.
It really is so important to see a GP/doctor if you have any concerns about your MH. If you feel you've been experiencing symptoms of panic disorder, please make an appointment. It can sometimes be difficult to talk about your feelings, emotions and personal life, but remember that your GP/doctor is their to help you in any way they can.
The Lifestyle Change will ALWAYS be a safe space for everyone and I will always attach a list of helplines and websites to contact for anyone who needs them - PLEASE use them if you feel you need to.
I hope this article helps you in some way, whether you suffer with panic attacks/anxiety attacks, you know someone who does or whether you’re reading this to educate yourself on the signs, symptoms and how to help.
It’s a personal one for me to write and I’ve actually found it liberating to talk about my experience in part openly. I wish I had someone to talk to or someone to tell me the signs and symptoms of these ‘attacks’ when I was growing up. They can be such a scary/daunting/traumatic thing to go through, something I know far too well. But I’m grateful for this safe space to talk about it all. I’ve only just scratched the surface of this topic and I truly hope that one day each of us overcome the obstacles and challenges each of us face. Right enough of the heart to heart.
Like I said at the beginning of this post, I have wrote a part 2 to this article on what you can do if you are having a panic attack and how you can help if you notice someone else having a panic attack. I truly hope these two posts help you in any way.
So if any of this interests you or you’re just curious to see what I rant about next, please stay tuned and follow The Lifestyle Change on social media to keep up to date with new posts!
Until next time, sending virtual hugs and positive vibes to you all,
Jade
DISCLAIMER: I am not a certified expert, I am not a professional and I am not medically trained. This series mainly serves to share all the information I have learned from credible sources. If you are in anyway affected by this subject or this post, please seek professional help, 'The Lifestyle Change' is no way affiliated with the links below.
Helpline's and website's to visit for advise and support. The following charities are here to help you:
NHS - Hours: Available 24 hours/7 days a week
Phone: 111
Samaritans - Hours: Available 24 hours.
Phone: 116 123
NHS Mental Health and Wellbeing - Website for help and support
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Phone: 0800 953 0110
SHOUT - Hours: Free 24 hours confidential text service.
Text: 85258
Anxiety UK - Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 5:30pm (Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition).
Phone: 03444 775 774
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
No Panic - Hours: 7 days a week. 10am - 10pm (Voluntary charity offering support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)).
Phone: 0300 772 9844 - Calls cost 5p per minute plus your phone provider's Access Charge
Website: www.nopanic.org.uk
Helpful links and websites for more research:
Mayo Clinic - Panic attack symptoms.
Medical News Today - What to know about anxiety.
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